Vandana Shiva has been considered “a rock star” in voicing little-known environmental issues and advocating as well as practicing a successful sustainable culture for her people in India and governments across the globe. I personally consider her one of three greats in environmental policy taken up by women of science, the other two being Rachel Carson and Wangari Maathai. Like her, these women have left their mark on the world, and for the better. Vandana Shiva’s actions could threaten the fast fashion trend that has been set ablaze during the 21st century, for she condemns the use of genetically modified seeds crafted by the multi-billion dollar biotech industry, Monsanto. Bt cotton is a type of genetically modified crop that is used to make clothing, and the seeds are patented by Monsanto themselves.

Here are some fast facts about Vandana Shiva and her accomplishments.

She:

• studied as a Physician at the University of Punjab
• got her Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario, Canada
• shifted her studies to inter-disciplinary research in science, technology, and environmental policy at the Indian Institute of Science and the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore, India
•  founded the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology in Dehra Dun in 1982
• founded Navdanya, “a national movement to protect the diversity and integrity of living resources – especially native seed – and to promote organic farming and fair trade”
• was called an environmental “hero” by Time Magazine
• was identified as one of the Seven Most Powerful Women on the Globe by Forbes
• is a board member of the International Forum on Globalization
• advises governments all over the world

 

For more information, her website offers a plethora of eye-opening topics on the subjects she studies. Below, you can watch her interview as she discusses morale, environmental ethics, intrinsic value, and the issues of today.